When writing down scores during a dart match, you may find yourself in one of two states:
- Completely relaxed: Thinking about your next coffee, your upcoming match, and letting your family know when you'll be home.
- Extremely nervous: Shaking like a leaf and hyper-alert (and afraid).
Neither of these states is particularly helpful. It's important to stay focused but not overly tense while scoring. Here are two crucial tips to keep your cool and avoid scorekeeping disasters.
Be in the Moment
Stop worrying that you can't write or that you'll make mistakes. This kind of thinking drains your mental energy. Instead, dive into the task with a positive attitude. Start with a mindset of: "I'm going to rock this!"
And if you make a mistake, don't let it throw you off. I've interviewed PDC scorers, and even they sometimes make errors, especially when distracted. So keep your head in the game!
If this seems too abstract, the next tip might be more practical for you.
Mumble Out Loud
Do yourself a favor and mumble your numbers out loud: “Minus 70 plus 3.” This really helps your brain calculate more easily. There's no rule against mumbling during a match. This makes you more actively involved in counting and helps reduce errors.
Saying the score out loud provides an additional check since the players usually count along too. If you make a mistake, they can correct you immediately, which is better than writing the wrong score and having to fix it on the board.
Summary
- Stay present: Focus on the task with a positive mindset.
- Mumble out loud: Verbalize your calculations to help your brain process and reduce errors.
By following these tips, you'll maintain clarity and prevent misunderstandings during your games.
